# US 5,702,307 A · Pivotal, spherically shaped, motion simulator-with shifting means for controlling its' center of gravity > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 5,702,307 A - Document ID: US5702307A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 08/625,842 - Filed: 1996-04-11 - Granted: 1997-12-30 - Earliest claimed: 1996-04-11 - Inventors: Kristen G. Moran - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5702307A ## CPC - A63G 31/16: creating illusions of travel - G09B 9/02: for teaching control of vehicles or other craft - G09B 9/12: Motion systems for aircraft simulators - A63G: MERRY-GO-ROUNDS; SWINGS; ROCKING-HORSES; CHUTES; SWITCHBACKS; SIMILAR DEVICES FOR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT - G09B: EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS (devices for psychotechnics or for testing reaction times A61B5/16; games, sports, amusements A63; projectors, projector screens G03B) ## Abstract A motion simulator in the form of a motorized skeletal sphere suspended from a gimbal platform. The skeletal sphere comprises two orbital tracks, each having contollable motorized ballasts devices with attachment mechanism to the orbital tracks. These tracks provide a predetermined path for the ballasts to travel on. The ballasts provide a shifting mechanism for controlling the center of gravitys' position from within the occupied sphere. The ballasts rotate the sphere on its' axis 360.degree., in a controlled and deliberate manner. Different positions of the rotating axis are provided by the use of a multi-pivotal platform, that suspends the sphere and allows it to rotate freely in a plurality of directions. Direction is determined by an occupant using a control device for the ballasts movement. An adjustable chair is provided for centering the occupant as close to the center of the sphere as is possible. A variable counter-weight is housed within the circumference of the sphere to off-set the weight of the occupant. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A motion simulator in the form of a motorized skeletal sphere for physically rotating, in a controlled and deliberate manner, an occupant, 360.degree. in a plurality of directions, in conjunction with the use of video and graphic software programs, comprising: (a) two orbital tracks, configured perpindicular to each other to form said skeletal sphere and serve as predetermined paths, (b) two cyclic motorized ballasts, one for each said orbital track with attachment means to and for each said track, as a shifting means for controlling the center of gravity from within said skeletal sphere, (c) a pivotal platform as a support means for allowing said skeletal sphere to rotate freely, in a plurality of directions, (d) a variable counter-weight as adjusting means for off-setting occupants' weight and said motorized ballasts' weight from within said skeletal sphere. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The motion simulator of claim 1 wherein said skeletal sphere houses a chair for occupant. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The motion simulator of claim 2 wherein said chair is adjustable for centering occupants weight as close to the center of said skeletal sphere as is possible. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The motion simulator of claim 1 wherein the weight of said motorized ballasts are variable as a means of adjustment. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The motion simulator of claim 1 further comprising gimbal ring pivotally connected to said orbital tracks by locking hardware as folding means for storage. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The motion simulator of claim 1 wherein said pivotal platform is a gimbal. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The motion simulator of claim 6 wherein said gimbal platform is supported by legs that rest on the ground. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The motion simulator of claim 6 wherein said gimbal platform is suspended from overhead by struts as support means. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The motion simulator of claim 1 wherein said skeletal sphere houses a combination attitude sensor and override control as synchronization means between movement of said motion simulator and images projected on viewing screen. ### Claim 10 A motion simulator in the form of a sphere for physically rotating in a controlled and deliberate manner, an occupant, 360.degree. in a plurality of directions, in conjunction with video and graphic software programs, comprising: (a) a spherical hull having access means to its' interior, for a human being, (b) two orbital tracks, configured perpindicular to each other within the circumference of said sphere as predetermined means for motorized ballasts' direction of travel, (c) variable hardware for affixing said orbital tracks to inner walls of sphere, (d) a chair affixed to said orbital tracks having adjustment means for centering said chair as close to the center of said sphere as possible, (e) two cyclic motorized ballasts, one for each said orbital track, with attachment means to end for each said orbital track, as a shifting means for controlling the center of gravity from within said sphere, (f) a pivotal platform as a support means for allowing said sphere to rotate freely, in a plurality of directions, (g) a variable counter-weight as an adjusting means for off-setting occupants' weight and said motorized ballasts' weight from within said sphere. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The motion simulator of claim 10 wherein said motorized ballasts' weight is variable as an adjustment means. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The motion simulator of claim 10 wherein said pivotal platform is a pedestal of rotating bearings, for said sphere to rest upon enabling said sphere to rotate freely in a plurality of directions. ### Claim 13 (depends on 10) The motion simulator of claim 10 wherein said pivotal platform is a pedestal of air jets, providing a cushion of air for said sphere to float upon and rotate freely in a plurality of directions. ### Claim 14 (depends on 10) The motion stimulator of claim 10 wherein said sphere houses a combination attitude sensor and override control as synchronization means between movements of said sphere and movements of images projected on viewing screen by software programs.